Its been a fantastic week. Elder
Hermansen is a boss hog and we work extremely well together. Let's just
leave it at that so I don't say anything bad about my papi.
It's been great, but it hasn't all been fun. It's
been tough. It's been super long and at the same time super short, just
like all time is. The number 1 focus this week has been going by the book,
specifically -- Preach My Gospel.
If you are prepping for, or just thinking about, or
even have completed, a mission, YOU NEED TO STUDY THIS BOOK. This is
literally a missionary´s best friend. Every recipe for success that we
are given to share the true happiness and abundant blessings we have
with others, lies in this guide. BRIGHAM - STUDY PMG INSIDE AND OUT. My
first 3 months I learned to do a lot of things "our way" instead of by
PMG, and it's been a tough transition. Elder Hermansen only has 6 weeks
more than me in ARG (served 5 months in Houston). We're two awkward
gringos (I speak better Spanish) running around Limache trying to
baptize, but luckily, he's teaching me to use PMG. We're implementing a
lot of new things like lesson plans, baptismal calenders, and simplified
teaching methods, to do this work much more efficiently. I absolutely
love working with him, especially our comp studies (wild brainstorm
sessions). The work is a lot more FUN with him.
Now for the title reference: I will liken missionary
work to chasing after the perfect girl. Every day, were hunting for
girls that will go out with us (people that will LISTEN, for the very
least). Every girlfriend (investigator) is at a different stage, with
different level of potential and interests (problems like religious
diffs, amount of time listening). At this point, we're meeting tons of
fun, flirty dames that tell us to come back later, and hanging on to
that one that you can't seem to shake off even after 4 breakups (Matt
has experience with this, me not so much). Carlos and Maricel are
breaking our hearts, dragging us through the mud every day. They've
each respectively accepted firm baptismal dates and than a week before
straight up dumped us. I'ts killing me inside because every person we
meet is like that girl I liked soooo bad but could just never seem to
pull (def have experience here, but I think my metaphor is dying).
Ahahahah I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm learning to open my
mouth and ask every girl out, and to not put all my eggs in one basket.
We have to love every investigator, but can't get attached.
This kinda segways into another bit of revelation:
the power of the Spirit in conversion. It's tough to know how the girl
(investigator) feels about you. It's kinda awkward to straight up ask,
but at the same time you can't waste time with someone that's not for
real. Basically, we have to put all our trust in God, not these flaky
girls. He knows how they feel, and if they will progress. He knows what
they need to feel and know in order to do so. What we'll do is create
the best environment and avenue for His Spirit to work miracles with as
many of these people as we can. I hope I didn't lose you all (I think I
lost myself), but if there's a takeaway, it's that I've learned that
whether or not ANYONE accepts the message of the Restoration doesn't
depend on us individually, but rather how well we invite the Spirit, and
at the end of the day, 2 big things: the will of the Lord, and their
agency.
Now I'll answer some misc Qs and logistics.
Not sure how New Years is here. Conked out at 11pm exactly.
Its sweet that your art is displayed at the lib, Mom! Keep it up!
Not sure exactly what I said, but the perfect time to pray together will be right around 11-11:15PM Salta. I think thats 9-9:15 Boston. That's when Im saying my night prayer. I get up right at 7 here
Please type up the letter if you want
I've already kinda reached the same conclusion on
parenting as your friend. I think we should model the way God does it,
and trust in His way - room for personal growth (with the added risk of
falling) is much greater.
How's the pension (apartment)? Oh yeah. It'll be a bit of a challenge to not speak English (4 gringos,
one BRAND NEW), but we get along great. I like this group way better
than the last. We finally get to bed on time, there isn't any contention
at all. Elder R and Elder A were big personalities, and
didn't mesh very well. todo bien now!!!
Piano - I'm too rusty right now and there's literally no
time to practice ever. Sorry - I promise I practice any spare minute in
the church (aren't too many)
I'll close with a shout out to Linc and Mom this week - Feliz Cumpleaños!!!! I'll be thinking of y' all the 9th and 11th.
Love you all soooo much
Elder Blake
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